Key Takeaways:
- A heatwave from Australia is expected to bring high temperatures to the east coast of New Zealand, with Hastings potentially reaching 37C over the weekend.
- The hottest areas are expected to be the East Cape of the North Island, Gisborne, Wairoa, and Hastings.
- Fire risk is a major concern, with a complete fire restriction in place and warnings against activities that could spark a wildfire.
- Residents are advised to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and avoid the hottest part of the day.
- Surf Lifesaving is preparing for a busy weekend at beaches, with an influx of beachgoers expected due to the hot weather.
Introduction to the Heatwave
The east coast of New Zealand is bracing itself for a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar over the weekend. The heatwave, which is being driven by a heatwave in south-eastern Australia, is expected to bring temperatures of over 30C to many areas, with Hastings potentially reaching a scorching 37C on Sunday. The hot weather is expected to be particularly severe in the East Cape of the North Island, Gisborne, Wairoa, and Hastings, with MetService predicting that these areas will be the hottest.
Preparations and Warnings
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum is urging residents to take precautions to stay safe in the heat. "Because this can be really dangerous heat, and I don’t think many people are used to it, so the big message we are trying to get out to people is make sure on those really hot days you are drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in the shade and avoiding the hottest part of the day if you can," she said. Schollum also warned of the risk of fire, with a complete fire restriction in place. "We really need everyone to be conscious, please please please be careful, no fire, we’ve got a complete fire restriction at the moment, if you’ve got fireworks stocked away, no setting those off right now."
Fire Risk and Precautions
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor seconded the sentiment, warning of the risk of spot fires. "We are really encouraging people to make sure they have an awareness, obviously of not light fires, but also an awareness if they are using lawnmowers, chainsaws anything that might spark or set off a fire." Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is also warning people to be cautious, with Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell saying that incoming winds and hot temperatures would create the "perfect storm" for a fire to start and spread. Mitchell urged people to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire, including welding, grinding, using cookers, and mowing lawns.
Beach Safety and Preparations
With the hot weather expected to bring large numbers of people to the beach, Surf Lifesaving is preparing for a busy weekend. Chris Emmet, from Surf Lifesaving, said that lifeguards were looking forward to the busy period, but warned of the importance of swimming at patrolled beaches between the flags. "The biggest concern for us is people finding a location to swim that’s safe for them. If you’re really hot in Auckland over the next few days, the East Coast will generally be safer than the West Coast." Emmet also stressed the importance of checking the conditions before heading to the beach and swimming at patrolled beaches.
Heatwave and Nighttime Temperatures
MetService is warning that the heatwave will not only bring high daytime temperatures but also hot nights. Meteorologist Clare O’Connor said that the heat would affect sleep and that people should keep an eye on heat alerts, especially those working outside. "So the weekend is looking hot. That might be great news for people who have been back at work this week and are looking to get to the beach. But it is tough on people working in the heat." The temperatures are expected to be highest in the eastern coastal areas, with Christchurch, Kaikoura, and Timaru forecast to get steadily hotter over the next few days.
Australian Heatwave and Its Impact
The warm weather in New Zealand is being driven by a heatwave in south-eastern Australia, where temperatures have been soaring. On Wednesday, the region sweltered through its hottest day in years, with firefighters battling out-of-control blazes in Victoria and Western Australia. Some towns recorded their warmest maximum temperatures in seven years, including Whyalla, Port Augusta, and Port Lincoln in South Australia, and Warrnambool in Victoria. Melbourne reached a top of 41C, its highest in six years, while Adelaide recorded a peak of 43C. The heatwave is expected to continue, with New Zealand feeling the effects over the weekend.